Category: Bay Area

GILROY – Three people were killed in a crash Tuesday night near Gilroy, according to authorities. The fatal collision happened just before 7 p.m. on Shore Road west of Lake Road, the California Highway Patrol said in a news release. The driver lost control while traveling westbound on Shore Road, crossed into opposing traffic and hit another vehicle traveling eastbound, according to the CHP. The CHP said the driver and two rear passengers – one of whom was 17 years old – were killed in the crash. The right front passenger of the vehicle that crossed into opposing traffic and the driver of the other vehicle were airlifted to an area hospital with injuries that appeared to be serious, according to the CHP. “We extend our condolences to those affected by this tragic event,” Capt. Noel Coady said. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Anyone with information related to the case can contact the CHP Hollister-Gilroy area office at 408-427-0700. Check back for updates.

Alec Blair activated his clutch gene on Tuesday night.  The Oklahoma-bound forward scored a game-high 22 points and made every clutch basket down the stretch to lead No. 3 De La Salle to a 51-45 win over No. 4 San Ramon Valley.  Senior forward David Balogun had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.  SRV guard Mason Thomas scored a team-high 17 points and Elliot Conley had 11.  The Wolves had a one-point lead at half, but Blair took over the second half. With the game tied at 41, Blair dribbled into the right side of the lane and finished strong at the rim with a foul to put the Spartans up three with under three minutes to go in the fourth quarter.  Blair then hit a mid-range jumper on the wing to put De La Salle up 46-41 with 45 seconds left to take control of the game late. SRV cut the lead to just three late, but Ibrahim Monawar knocked down four free throws in the final 30 seconds of the game to seal the win. San Ramon Valley dropped to 10-7

SAN FRANCISCO — Almost every basketball player dreams of playing in an NBA arena. Very few ever do. But on Tuesday night at Chase Center, a few dozen high school hoopers from St. Ignatius and Sacred Heart Cathedral made their fantasies a reality on the shores of the City. The two schools renewed their Bruce-Mahoney series with two matchups – boys and girls – under the watchful eyes of thousands of San Franciscans. The experience was one players from all four teams will never forget. St. Ignatius celebrates their 58-48 win over Sacred Heart Cathedral at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)  “It means everything,” SI junior girls forward Mary Ennis said. “First, it’s like the biggest game of the year. We look forward to playing SHC every year because of the big rivalry. It’s always so fun under the lights. Especially at the Chase Center, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.” The games were compelling, especially the girls’ matchup, which was tied at halftime. But more than anything, it was a

PORTOLA VALLEY — In a matchup Tuesday between two of the best girls basketball teams in the Bay Area, West Bay Athletic League rivals to boot, Pinewood left no doubt as to who is on top of the pecking order at this point of the season with a convincing start-to-finish road domination of Priory, 63-38. “They wanted it more than we did,” Priory coach Buck Matthews said. Pinewood (8-2), ranked No. 5 in the Bay Area News Group’s Top 20, had ruled Peninsula girls basketball for years. No. 8 Priory (10-2) has had its success as well, but usually a level below the Los Altos Hills team. But last year Priory ended a 15-game losing streak to its Peninsula rivals and shared the WBAL title. “They kicked our (butts) last year and don’t think I didn’t remind the girls,” Pinewood coach Doc Scheppler said. “Two weeks from Friday they will come to our place, make the necessary adjustments and make things a little different. We did the same thing here to them last year, almost a running clock in the fourth quarter, and they did

Bay Area Home Report 3739 Central Parkway – Google Street View The spacious property located in the 3700 block of Central Parkway in Dublin was sold on Oct. 16, 2024 for $1,160,000, or $489 per square foot. The condominium, built in 2007, has an interior space of 2,372 square feet. This apartment features three bedrooms and four baths. In addition, the condo includes a two-car garage, offering generous space for vehicles and storage requirements. Situated on a spacious 9,388-square-foot lot, the property offers ample outdoor space. Additional units that have recently been purchased close by include: In August 2024, a 2,206-square-foot unit on Central Parkway in Dublin sold for $1,150,000, a price per square foot of $521. The unit has 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. A 1,634-square-foot unit on the 4500 block of Brannigan Street in Dublin sold in October 2024, for $930,000, a price per square foot of $569. The unit has 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. On Aviano Way, Dublin, in January 2023, a 2,322-square-foot unit was sold for $1,185,000, a price per square foot of $510. The unit has 3 bedrooms and

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean law enforcement officials on Wednesday detained impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief imposition of martial law last month. In a video message recorded before he was escorted to the headquarters of an anti-corruption agency, Yoon lamented that the “rule of law has completely collapsed in this country” but said he was complying with the detention warrant to prevent clashes between law enforcement officials and the presidential security service A series of black SUVs, some equipped with sirens, were seen leaving the presidential compound amid police escorts. A vehicle apparently carrying Yoon later arrived at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials in the nearby city of Gwacheon Yoon was brought into custody about three hours after hundreds of law enforcement officers entered the residential compound in their second attempt to detain him over his imposition of martial law last month. Yoon’s lawyers tried to persuade investigators not to execute the detention warrant, saying the president would voluntarily appear for questioning, but the agency declined. The officers seemingly encountered no meaningful resistance from presidential security forces as they approached

Did you howl if you saw the full “Wolf Moon” block Mars on Monday evening? The first full moon of 2025 rose on Monday, Jan. 13 and, for observers in North America, blocked the planet Mars for around an hour between 8:44 p.m. EST and 00:52 a.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The full moon is called the wolf moon because of the idea that during January’s long, cold and dark nights, wolves make sure everyone can hear them. Like many other moons, it also has other names. Some call it the “Ice Moon,” “Old Moon” or the moon after Yule. According to astrological experts, the Wolf Moon is great for releasing old patterns, sentimental attachments or core beliefs we’ve been clinging to that no longer serve us. It’s also a time to consider releasing old grudges or resentments. The moon rises in its full stage behind “The Guardian”, a bronze, 17 foot statue representation of an American Indian man by Enoch Kelly Haney sitting atop the Oklahoma State Capitol building, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)  The full Wolf Moon

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $20 billion plan to build a massive, 45-mile long tunnel under the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to make it easier to move water from Northern California to Southern California won the endorsement of Silicon Valley’s largest water agency on Tuesday. By a vote of 6-1, with director Rebecca Eisenberg dissenting, the board of the Santa Clara Valley Water District approved spending $9.7 million for planning and geotechnical studies of the project, thus remaining as a partner. The district, a government agency based in San Jose, is expected to vote by 2027 on whether to provide $650 million in construction funding for the plan, which is one of California’s most long-running and controversial water issues. Supporters said Tuesday that the project, which would be overseen by the state Department of Water Resources and involve building a concrete pipe 36 feet wide to run roughly 150 feet under the marshes of the Delta, is key to improving Santa Clara County’s water reliability in the decades ahead. “We need to be involved,” said Tony Estremera, chairman of the water district’s board. “We are doing every single

Barking, roaring, gargling, grunting, squealing, squabbling, flopping, wriggling, snoozing and occasionally vomiting on each other, the sea lions of the Santa Cruz Wharf provide a noisy, fish-scented spectacle that in the wake of the structure’s partial collapse in December is now harder — but only slightly — to take in. When a cataclysmic ocean swell shortened the popular tourist attraction by the length of half a football field, it ripped away a substantial portion of prime lounging-around habitat for the sleek-but-portly sea lions that have for decades used the network of horizontal support beams between the ocean and the wharf deck as a haul-out spot. And the five large rectangular openings in the deck that used to provide views down onto the support beams were all in the portion that fell off and was swept away by huge swells that surged into Monterey Bay on Dec. 23. Sea lions haul out at the Santa Cruz Wharf, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Santa Cruz, Calif. A large section of haul out space was lost to the marine mammals when winter storms collapsed the end of the wharf in

As wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, state Democrats are planning to tap $1.5 billion in bonds for wildfire preparedness just months after voters approved a landmark debt-spending plan for climate projects, as part of a special legislative session originally convened last month to counter the incoming Trump administration. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday requested $2.5 billion from state lawmakers to fund the battle against the Southern California firestorm and prevent new fires from spreading. Of that, about $1.5 billion would fund wildfire resilience projects, Senate President Mike McGuire of Santa Rosa, a Democrat, told reporters Monday. If Democrats follow through with the plan, it will be the first use of Proposition 4, a $10 billion bond for projects to address climate change that nearly 60% of voters approved in November. Initially, Newsom planned to tap those funds later this year or in 2026. Proposition 4 authorized California to issue $10 billion in debt to fund water, wildfire and clean energy projects. The $1.5 billion earmarked for wildfire preparedness was intended to fund forest thinning and controlled burning, which slow the spread of intense wildfires.

Bay Area Home Report 5008 Lilac Ridge Road – Google Street View A 3,170-square-foot house built in 2000 has changed hands. The spacious property located in the 5000 block of Lilac Ridge Road in San Ramon was sold on Nov. 27, 2024. The $2,625,000 purchase price works out to $828 per square foot. This two-story home offers a capacious living environment with its five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property is equipped with central A/C. In addition, the home comes with an attached two-car garage, allowing for convenient vehicle storage and additional storage space. The lot of the property covers an area of 5,172 square feet. Additional houses have recently been sold nearby: In August 2023, a 2,970-square-foot home on Cattleya Way in San Ramon sold for $2,400,000, a price per square foot of $808. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. A 2,957-square-foot home on the 5900 block of Lantana Way in San Ramon sold in July 2022, for $2,189,000, a price per square foot of $740. The home has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. On Sky Jasmine Way, San Ramon, in January

As we ring in the new year, the cannabis industry is lighting the way toward a more sustainable future. With sustainability taking center stage, companies are rising to the occasion to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly practices, and consumers are cheering them on. If you’re looking to make a fresh start this year, the cannabis industry’s green revolution offers the perfect blueprint for a cleaner, more responsible future. Here’s how sustainability is shaping the industry and what it means for the year ahead. 1. Eco-Friendly Packaging: A New Year’s Resolution for a Cleaner Planet In the world of cannabis, the shift toward sustainable packaging is more than just a trend – it’s a game-changer. Consumers today are demanding packaging that’s both stylish and eco-conscious. Brands are answering the call with biodegradable and recyclable options that are as good for the planet as they are for the products they protect. Imagine unwrapping your favorite cannabis product and knowing that the packaging won’t end up in a landfill. It’s a win-win! According to a report by Pioneer Phoenix, nearly 60% of consumers are willing to pay

Bay Area Home Report 839 Bonita Avenue – Google Street View A house located in the 800 block of Bonita Avenue in Pleasanton has new owners. The 1,986-square-foot property, built in 1969, was sold on Oct. 14, 2024, for $1,667,500, or $840 per square foot. This two-story house provides a generous living space with its four bedrooms and three baths. Inside, a fireplace enhances the ambiance of the living area. Additionally, the house features a two-car garage. The lot of the property covers a substantial area of 7,000 square feet, complete with a pool for outdoor enjoyment. These nearby houses have also recently been sold: A 1,872-square-foot home on the 700 block of East Angela Street in Pleasanton sold in September 2024, for $1,750,000, a price per square foot of $935. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. In November 2022, a 1,670-square-foot home on Mirador Drive in Pleasanton sold for $1,600,000, a price per square foot of $958. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. On Mirador Drive, Pleasanton, in August 2022, a 2,051-square-foot home was sold for $1,620,000, a price per

Sebastian Maniscalco has a lot going on. He’s a presence on the big screen, having appeared in such acclaimed films as “Green Book” and “The Irishman” as well as done voice acting in such animated (or partially animated) movies as “The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature,” “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “IF” — with the latter being one of the best films of 2024. Maniscalco also stars in the TV comedy series “Bookie,” which recently kicked off its second season on Max. And, of course, he’s best known for his stand-up comedy, which he has showcased on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” “The Jay Leno Show,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “Conan” and so many other programs. Yet, the best way to experience Maniscalco’s nostalgic, observational brand of humor is to check him out in concert. And Bay Area stand-up comedy fans will indeed have that opportunity when the jokester brings his It Ain’t Right Tour to SAP Center in San Jose on Feb. 1. Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets start at $55

Residents in San Jose District 3 now have a better understanding of whom their next leader will be as the field on who’s running to replace disgraced former Councilmember Omar Torres is set. Following Friday’s deadline, seven candidates split between political newcomers and the city’s old guard have qualified to appear on the April 8 special election ballot, while 11 candidates have submitted applications to fill the leadership void in an interim capacity. The early frontrunners for the seat include Irene Smith, the most recent challenger to Torres, Planning Commission Chair Anthony Tordillos, Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley Executive Director Gabby Chavez-Lopez and Matthew Quevedo, the deputy of chief to San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who has already endorsed him. “Matthew’s superpower, if you want to call it that, is bringing people together to solve problems in their local community,” Mahan told The Mercury News. “He is the consummate community organizer, and he’s somebody who, for the last five years, has been building relationships with neighborhood leaders across the city and working with them to help them navigate local government and organize themselves to create the

(Google Maps) Home2 Suites, a 127-room hotel at 5952 Silver Creek Valley Road in San Jose. By George Avalos | gavalos@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: January 14, 2025 at 1:30 PM PST Hotel development nosedived in California and the Bay Area in 2024. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

By MARY CLARE JALONICK and LOLITA BALDOR WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Defense secretary is publicly facing senators for the first time after weeks of questions from Democrats — and praise from Republicans — about his “unconventional” resume. Pete Hegseth, a former combat veteran and TV news show host, says he will be a “change agent” and a “warrior” for the department as Republicans demand new and strong leadership in the Pentagon. Democrats say Hegseth’s lack of experience, his past comments about women and Black troops and allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct, make him unfit to serve. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., called Hegseth’s nomination to lead the Defense Department “unconventional” but compared him to Trump, and said that may just be what makes him an “excellent choice.” Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Hegseth lacks “the character and the competence” to lead the Pentagon. Reed he has voted to confirm the nine previous Defense secretaries, including in Trump’s first term, but will not support Hegseth. His confirmation would be an “an insult to the men and women who have

OAKLAND — The long-delayed sale of the Oakland Coliseum may finally be on track to closing, with Alameda County leaders set to consider new terms on Tuesday that would fully divorce the county from responsibility over the property. The county supervisors were expected on Tuesday afternoon to approve a 30-day timeline for new terms to be met over the sale of the 112-acre Coliseum Complex, which includes the stadium, arena and surrounding parking lots. Perhaps the East Bay’s most important piece of real estate, the complex had been jointly owned by the county and city of Oakland until 2019, when the county sold its half-share to the A’s. Now, with a successful vote Tuesday, that still-pending transaction with the A’s would be reassigned to the African American Sports and Entertainment Group, an Oakland-based development group bankrolled by the Black-led investment fund Loop Capital. AASEG has long promised that a completed deal would set the sports property on a path to be transformed into a new hub of restaurants, retail, housing, entertainment and live sports. Oakland, meanwhile, is eager to receive $125 million for its half

The Palisades and Eaton wildfires broke out on Jan. 7 and have caused devastation to local Los Angeles County communities. The Eaton fire has damaged or destroyed an estimated 7,000 structures and burned more than 14,000 acres, officials said. The Palisades fire has damaged or destroyed more than 5,000 structures and burned more than 23,000 acres, officials said. The fires were fueled by dry weather and a rare windstorm that strengthened flames and carried embers via 80mph gusts creating an unprecedented crisis that overwhelmed firefighting efforts. To date, 24 people died in the fires and 23 people were reported missing, the majority tied to the Eaton fire, authorities said. AccuWeather’s estimate of property and business losses reached $250 billion to $275 billion. While the fires are still burning, investigations into the causes of each fire are ongoing. While an official cause of any fire has not been released, various accusations, rumors, lawsuits and reports have emerged related to each. Here’s what we know. Palisades fire In Pacific Palisades, published reports indicate fire investigators are looking at a hiking area called Skull Rock as the potential

By MEG KINNARD House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday ordered that flags at the U.S. Capitol be raised to their full height on Inauguration Day, pausing a 30-day flag-lowering order following the death of former President Jimmy Carter. The Republican leader’s decision means that President-elect Donald Trump will not take the oath of office for his second term under a half-staff flag, a prospect that he had previously complained about. It mirrors actions taken in recent days by some Republican governors who have announced that flags in their states would be raised on Inauguration Day to mark Trump’s second term. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey did so on Tuesday, noting in a social media post that U.S. flags across the state would be relowered on Jan. 21 in honor of Carter. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a similar notice on Monday. The 30-day flag-lowering period, set into motion with President Joe Biden’s order, affects flags at federal government buildings and their grounds, as well as at U.S. embassies and other facilities abroad, including military installations and vessels. It runs through Jan. 28, which encompasses Trump’s inauguration

Metallica, the biggest Bay Area rock act of all time, has a long history of helping out in times of need. And that’s exactly what these multi-platinum-selling rockers are doing once again — this time to help out with Los Angeles fire relief efforts. Metallica — which actually got its start in Los Angeles in 1981, before moving to the Bay Area and becoming the best-selling metal act in history — are donating $500,0000 to fire relief efforts through its All Within My Hands charitable foundation. The grants will go to relief efforts being done through the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund and the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund. Each organization is receiving $250,000. “The California Community Foundation (CCF) has a long history of ensuring resources reach those most in need,” according to a news release from Metallica. “For the LA County wildfires, CCF has activated its Wildfire Recovery Fund to complement immediate relief and address the long-term recovery needs of neighborhoods. The fund’s disaster and recovery efforts support an array of critical recovery services, including housing, case management